The airport posted revenue of $9.3 Million and net operating income of $1.3 Million, representing the airport authority’s 13th consecutive year of profit.

“It was a decent year given a trying economic environment,” said GIAA President and CEO Reg Wright.

Passenger performance increased 3% over 2016, behind strong growth in non-resident visitations during the peak tourism season. 2017 was the fourth most prolific year for passenger traffic in the airport’s history.

“Passenger growth is driven by airlines – Air Canada, WestJet, Provincial Airlines and Sunwing serve our region and put attractive pricing throughout the marketplace,” Mr. Wright said. “We extend our thanks to our airline partners, as well as everyone who made Gander Airport part of their travel plans. It is great to see Central Newfoundlanders patronize their local airport, which is operated for their use and benefit.”

In 2017, the airport completed nearly $3 Million in Capital Works, including primary groundside access roads and airside rehabilitation. In the coming years, the GIAA will focus on the $10 restoration of Runway 13/31 as well as working to commence significant terminal enhancements.

The airport’s business park continues to generate new leases and earnings from non-aeronautical revenue– defined as income from sources outside core aviation activities – now comprises 47% of the GIAA’s revenue and is forecast to grow.

“The future holds both challenge and opportunity, and we remain optimistic about our prospects,” said GIAA Chairperson Des Dillon. “We will continue to work hard and work smart to build lasting success for YQX.”

The full digital copy of the GIAA 2017 Annual Report can be viewed here.

About Gander International Airport Authority

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). Gander International Airport offers scheduled and charter service from Air Canada, Provincial Airlines, Sunwing Airlines and WestJet. The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Central Newfoundland region. The airport’s economic contribution includes 1,260 full-time jobs, $90 million in wages, $140 million in gross domestic product (GDP) and $240 million in economic impact.

]]>http://www.ganderairport.com/article/airport-authority-announces-annual-performance-4/feed/03% GROWTH IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT GANDER AIRPORThttp://www.ganderairport.com/article/2017passengers/
http://www.ganderairport.com/article/2017passengers/#commentsFri, 12 Jan 2018 15:46:53 +0000http://www.ganderairport.com/?post_type=news&p=1601(January 12, 2018) The Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) announced that passenger traffic grew 3% at Gander International Airport in 2017. The passenger total of 177,532 passengers was the fourth highest in airport history.

“In some ways, it was a challenging year due to reduced travel for commuting workers to Labrador and Western Canada, so we are pleased to have posted modest growth in 2017,” said Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) President and CEO Reg Wright.

While there was growth year-round, Mr. Wright indicated that a 10% tourism-driven spike in summer traffic was a key contributor.

“As a destination, Central Newfoundland is really hitting its stride, in part buoyed by interest generated by the hit musical Come From Away and also the continued profile of the Fogo Island Inn,” he said. “Visitors are fast learning that Central provides an authentic Newfoundland and Labrador experience that checks all the boxes of what motivates people to come to our province.

Mr. Wright explained that any passenger growth results from service offered by the airport’s tenant airlines – Air Canada, PAL Airlines, Sunwing and WestJet.

“They are providing a valuable service to connect Central Newfoundland to the world,” he said. “We continue to work with our airlines to ensure the timely, affordable choices our market covets. We thank everyone who chose to Fly Gander for their loyalty and patronage. We appreciate residents who decide to fly from their local airport and make YQX part of their travel plans.”

About Gander International Airport Authority

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Central Newfoundland region. The airport’s economic contribution includes 1,260 full-time jobs, $90 million in wages, $140 million in gross domestic product (GDP) and $240 million in economic impact.

]]>http://www.ganderairport.com/article/2017passengers/feed/0STATEMENT ON PILATUS PC-12 ACCIDENThttp://www.ganderairport.com/article/statement-on-pilatus-pc-12-accident/
http://www.ganderairport.com/article/statement-on-pilatus-pc-12-accident/#commentsWed, 13 Dec 2017 19:04:08 +0000http://www.ganderairport.com/?post_type=news&p=1580The Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) received a call near 1230 pm on Wednesday, December 13 that a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft was in distress during a flight from Moncton to St. John’s, with the nose gear stuck in a retracted position. The weather in St. John’s was challenging so the decision was made to attempt landing at Gander. The pilot was the only occupant of the aircraft.

Emergency responders from the airport and community were positioned while the aircraft burned off fuel and attempted a touch and go with hopes the nose gear would retract. When that attempt was unsuccessful, the pilot attempted final approach at 130 pm on Runway 13 with a successful nosewheel up landing. The pilot walked away from the aircraft under his own power while the aircraft sustained minor damage.

Transportation Safety Board has been contacted. The aircraft has been released and a recovery team is moving the aircraft at this time. The airport anticipates the runway to be fully reinstated in the next few hours.

Given that the airport has a perpendicular runway system, all arrivals and departures at the airport are proceeding as per normal.

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]]>http://www.ganderairport.com/article/statement-on-pilatus-pc-12-accident/feed/0EXPECT MINOR ROADWORK DELAYS AT YQXhttp://www.ganderairport.com/article/roadworkadvisory/
http://www.ganderairport.com/article/roadworkadvisory/#commentsWed, 06 Sep 2017 18:26:34 +0000http://www.ganderairport.com/?post_type=news&p=1524(Gander, NL Sept. 6, 2017) The Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) is encouraging travelers and patrons to leave a little extra time to arrive at the airport as it commences roadwork.

Repaving begins on Sept. 7 and impacts a number of airport-maintained roads, including James Boulevard, the primary entry to the airport, as well as Washington Avenue, Power Street and Dobbin Drive. Construction is estimated to last two weeks.

“During construction, all roads will remain open and we are taking steps to ensure the flow of traffic,” said Stephen Burbridge, the GIAA’s Director of Infrastructure. “As with all construction projects, periodic delays should be expected. With this in mind, we are encouraging travelers, airport patrons and workers to allow an extra 15 minutes traveling to and from the airport. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

About Gander International Airport Authority

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). Gander International Airport offers scheduled and charter service from Air Canada, Provincial Airlines, Sunwing Airlines and WestJet. The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Central Newfoundland region. The airport’s economic contribution includes 1,260 full-time jobs, $90 million in wages, $140 million in gross domestic product (GDP) and $240 million in economic impact.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Burbridge, Director of Infrastructure and Operations

(709) 256-2614

]]>http://www.ganderairport.com/article/roadworkadvisory/feed/03rd Annual Run the Runway Lifts Offhttp://www.ganderairport.com/article/3rd-annual-run-the-runway-lifts-off/
http://www.ganderairport.com/article/3rd-annual-run-the-runway-lifts-off/#commentsThu, 31 Aug 2017 18:40:09 +0000http://www.ganderairport.com/?post_type=news&p=1518(Aug 29, 2017) The Gander International Airport Authority will hold its third annual charity runway run on Saturday, Sept. 9 in support of the Janeway Foundation, beginning at 10 am.

The Run The Runway For The Janeway offers participants a choice of a 2.5 km walk or 5 km run. Registration is $25 for adult runners and $15 for student participants and walkers. All event proceeds will go directly to the Janeway Foundation.

“Our runway run has enjoyed great support since our inaugural event in 2015,” said Reg Wright, President and CEO of the Gander International Airport Authority. “It’s a lot of fun for participants, but more importantly, it supports the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation. The Janeway’s mission touches us all and we are hoping locals will lace up, join us and help support the province’s only pediatric hospital.”

“It is the Janeway’s goal to keep pace with technological advancements in child health care,” said Lynn Sparkes, President and CEO of the Janeway Foundation. “These improvements ultimately mean safer, more precise care and better outcomes for our young patients – from the premature baby who needs an MRI for assessment and treatment to the 17 year old undergoing surgery after a near-fatal car crash. Without the support of our community, and fundraisers like Run The Runway, none of this would be possible.”

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Town of Gander and the Central Newfoundland region.

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For further information, please contact:

Reg Wright, President and CEO

Gander International Airport Authority

(709) 256-6668

Phyllis Kinsman, Manager, Communications and Events

Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation
(709) 777-4264

]]>http://www.ganderairport.com/article/3rd-annual-run-the-runway-lifts-off/feed/0GIAA will pursue a renovation for its aging Air Terminal Buildinghttp://www.ganderairport.com/article/atbrenovation/
http://www.ganderairport.com/article/atbrenovation/#commentsWed, 16 Aug 2017 18:56:56 +0000http://www.ganderairport.com/?post_type=news&p=1513(Gander, NL August 16, 2017) As part of its capital planning review, the Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) has opted to pursue a renovation of its air terminal building.

“As a board, we are committed to the most fiscally prudent approach to address our outdated, inefficient and oversized terminal building,” said GIAA Chairperson Des Dillon. “In 2014, we announced our intent to pursue a new ATB as the preferred option, but the landscape has completely changed with falling oil prices and the resultant economic downturn. Our board constantly revisits our assumptions and we are more interested in doing the right thing than staying a course which might not produce the outcomes we hope. A renovation, retrofit and rightsizing of our terminal building gives us the greatest probability of success.”

The proposed renovation carries a hard construction cost of $26.4 Million. The plan includes removing 31% of the building, which represents an area reduction of 4,242 square meters. The two key areas to be removed include the east loading pier, known locally as the “finger”, which has been mothballed for decades, as well as the oversized flight kitchen and adjacent underutilized facilities on the southern side of the building.

Public areas of the airport will see major finishes and upgrades. The concept calls for a complete replacement of the mechanical and electrical systems, including a supplemental geothermal energy system. International and domestic baggage halls will be consolidated and expanded. The control tower will be renovated and the plan calls for the air terminal building to receive new insulation, roofing, glazing and cladding systems.”

The historic international transit lounge will be retained and restored and serve as the domestic departures hold room, with a movable partition to accommodate sterile international passengers. A relocated food concession will allow full menu service pre- and post-security.

GIAA President and CEO Reg Wright said this approach will underpin the airport’s long-term viability, noting that building maintenance and energy expenses ran $1.2 Million in 2016, despite supressed heating oil prices.

“This is about making investments that insulate the airport against risk – especially with regard to energy costs. Older buildings are subject to failure, regardless of how proactive your preventative maintenance program. Our mechanical and electrical systems are largely archaic and well past useful lifespan,” he said. “By reducing our footprint and resultant energy consumption, engineers expect we can realize energy savings of $300,000 annually. Utility savings have a direct correlation with our profitability and viability.”

The original portion of the air terminal building was commissioned in 1959 while subsequent additions were made in the late 70s, Mr. Wright noted.

“This is about right-sizing – getting the airport a cost-efficient home to meet its current and projected future needs. The building has its shortcomings, but it is structurally sound, so there’s a strong spine we can build on to get the benefit of a significant renovation without the hefty cost of a new building. This approach allows us to retain and celebrate the historic essence of Gander International Airport. This will also improve the passenger experience at Gander. After all, we are the welcome mat to Central Newfoundland. This will help us to deliver the contemporary, efficient passenger experience we strive for.”

Mr. Wright explained that, after seven years of lobbying, the federal government enacted a change in policy last month that allowed National Airport System (NAS) airports like Gander to compete for Federal funding. The GIAA has commenced discussions with government officials about support for the terminal project.

“Government listened attentively to our concerns and made an important policy change. This allows us to seek out provincial and federal investment in this all-important project like every other small airport in Canada,” he said. “There have been 50 jobs created here over the last two years and another 50 in the pipeline in the aerospace sector for the next few years. Against that context, we are seeking a one-time investment from government partners that gives us a foundation for the next forty years. Public sector investments will be quickly repaid in the forms of jobs, growth and incremental taxes.”

About Gander International Airport Authority

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). Gander International Airport offers scheduled and charter service from Air Canada, Provincial Airlines, Sunwing Airlines and WestJet. The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Central Newfoundland region. The airport’s economic contribution includes 1,260 full-time jobs, $90 million in wages, $140 million in gross domestic product (GDP) and $240 million in economic impact.

The airport posted revenue of $10.3 Million and net operating income of $1.8 Million, representing the airport authority’s 12th consecutive year of profit.

“All in all, 2016 will go down as a good year in turbulent economic conditions,” said GIAA President and CEO Reg Wright.

Passenger performance at Gander fell -2.5% over 2015, although 2016 still represented the fourth most prolific year for passenger traffic in the airport’s history.

Mr. Wright said the passenger reductions were due largely to airlines tempering seat capacity, a soft economy and political upheaval further abroad.

“Last year certainly held a confluence of challenge – falling commodity prices, recession, broad political change in the US and Western Europe, the proliferation of the Zika virus in tropical destinations, the soft Canadian dollar and cowardly acts of terrorism is Europe,” he said. “These were significant tests for any business, but we showed some resilience to produce a decent operating surplus to plough back into much needed capital improvements.”

The CEO saluted the continued investment in service by tenant airlines through trying times.

“We extend our thanks to Air Canada, WestJet, Provincial Airlines and Sunwing. It is the airlines who make the all-important investment in our market,” Mr. Wright said. “Without airlines, airports are just big buildings with long driveways.

“We also give sincere thanks to each and every person who made Gander International Airport part of their travel plans. Every ticket purchased to or from YQX is a vote for the local economy and jobs. Make no mistake – our ability to retain air service in a trying economic climate depends on whether people choose to Fly Gander. One telling statistic is that the average airfares from Gander to the top Canadian destinations in 2016 were half of the average paid 10 years ago. With attractive pricing throughout the market, more convenient flight times and more choice, it’s much easier to make the decision to fly local, which is the same as buying local. Now, more than ever, we need Central Newfoundlanders to patronize the airport which is maintained for their use and benefit.”

Over the last five years the airport authority completed $20 million in capital works projects, including Phase I of its 150-acre Business Park, which drove increased lease revenues. Earnings from non-aeronautical income – defined as income from sources outside core aviation activities – now comprises 40% of the GIAA’s revenue and is forecast to grow.

“Without a doubt, 2016 will go down as a very difficult period in our province’s history. The economy has been listing, but we are ever optimistic it will improve,” said GIAA Chairperson Des Dillon. “The coming years will wheel out more challenges, but they also hold opportunity. We are focused on driving economic activity and growth, and increasing the prosperity of the communities we serve.”

The full digital copy of the GIAA 2016 Annual Report can be viewed here.

About Gander International Airport Authority

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). Gander International Airport offers scheduled and charter service from Air Canada, Provincial Airlines, Sunwing Airlines and WestJet. The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Central Newfoundland region. The airport’s economic contribution includes 1,260 full-time jobs, $90 million in wages, $140 million in gross domestic product (GDP) and $240 million in economic impact.

GIAA President and CEO Reg Wright said the airport authority and its community partners have been working to establish more flights outside of the morning peak. The new Halifax route arrives at 2:10 p.m. and departs Gander for Halifax at 2:50 p.m.

“The price of airfares out of Gander has fallen significantly over the last few years, but our customers and stakeholders told us that we needed to recruit more afternoon flights,” he said. “Air Canada’s afternoon Halifax departure has always been extremely popular with our passengers, so a convenient afternoon WestJet flight, with timely connections beyond, provides more choice and seats.”

Wright explained that Gander Airport has traditionally been top-heavy with morning departures. In the summer, half of the flights from Gander departed between 545 and 725 am, carrying almost 70% of the day’s departing passengers.

“Many travelers enjoy a morning flight and it does have its advantages. However, there are some people who will go to great lengths to avoid redeyes and early morning departures,” he said. “80% of people in the airport’s service area live more than 20 minutes drive from the airport. It isn’t easy for a traveler from Buchans, New-Wes-Valley, Eastport or Twillingate to drive an hour and a half to meet a check-in deadline 90 minutes prior to a 530 am domestic flight. With both Air Canada and WestJet Encore offering mid-afternoon departures, travelers can get some more beauty sleep. This is welcome news for locals and also non-resident visitors to Central, who can spend more time exploring what the region has to offer.”

Overall, WestJet’s guests in Atlantic Canada have a total of 31 non-stop routes and 21 different WestJet destinations to choose from. WestJet has increased its capacity out of this region by 75 per cent in the last 10 years and now accounts for 62 per cent of the capacity growth of all of the airlines that serve the Atlantic provinces.

About Gander International Airport Authority

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). Gander International Airport offers scheduled and charter service from Air Canada, Provincial Airlines, Sunwing Airlines and WestJet. The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Central Newfoundland region. The airport’s economic contribution include 1,260 full-time jobs, $90 million in wages, $140 million in gross domestic product (GDP) and $240 million in economic impact.

Mr. Vey joined the GIAA transfer group in 1997, serving as the corporation’s first Executive Director. His work in negotiating the airport’s successful transfer from Transport Canada in March of 2001 resulted in his selection as the President and CEO of the Gander International Airport Authority Inc. He retired in July of 2014 after a distinguished career spanning almost two decades.

Mr. Vey was a singular driving force for the airport, said Gander International Airport Authority Chairperson Des Dillon.

“We all have heavy hearts after Gary’s sudden passing,” Mr. Dillon said. “Gary and I go way back – we roomed together when I boarded with his parents while attending university in the 60s. The Veys were like family to me. In a professional capacity, he was very dedicated to the Gander International Airport throughout his tenure. He believed deeply in what the airport could become and was committed to bringing that to fruition. He left an indelible mark on Gander Airport and his legacy will endure. Gary will be deeply missed.”

Mr. Vey was succeeded by current CEO Reg Wright, who worked alongside him for 10 years.

“Those of us who worked with Gary understand the depths of his commitment as a champion for Gander Airport. He would never back down in a battle where the airport’s future was at stake. He defied every skeptic and his track record speaks for itself. He was a great leader, a passionate Newfoundlander and a real character. He was tough when the situation demanded it, but warm and generous the rest of the time, especially as a father and grandparent. We only wish he had more time – his passing is much too soon and is too sad to comprehend. Our thoughts are with Gary’s family and loved ones.”

The funeral service is scheduled for 11 am Thursday, December 29 at St. Martin’s Anglican Cathedral.

]]>http://www.ganderairport.com/article/former-gander-airport-ceo-passes-away/feed/0LACE UP FOR 2ND ANNUAL RUN THE RUNWAY FOR THE JANEWAYhttp://www.ganderairport.com/article/lace-up-for-2nd-annual-run-the-runway-for-the-janeway/
http://www.ganderairport.com/article/lace-up-for-2nd-annual-run-the-runway-for-the-janeway/#commentsWed, 24 Aug 2016 13:54:28 +0000http://www.ganderairport.com/?post_type=news&p=1266(August 25, 2016) The second annual Run the Runway for the Janeway charity run will be held at Gander International Airport at 10 am, Saturday, September 10.

“We had a great turnout for our inaugural runway run last year. 120 walkers and runners of all fitness levels joined in to support the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation, whose work touches us all,” said Reg Wright, President and CEO of the Gander International Airport Authority.

Participants can choose a 2.5 km walk or 5 km run. Registration is $25 for adult runners, $15 for walkers and $15 for student participants. All event proceeds go to the Janeway Foundation.
Participants can find full details and register here.

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Town of Gander and the Central Newfoundland region.